End the evil of Hamas, clean hydrogen will boost SD's economy: Your letters
Your letters to the editor for Nov. 12, 2023:
It's time to end the evil of Hamas
This is in reply to Jerry Wilson’s Nov. 5th Letter to the Editor. Wilson dedicates 5% of his letter (the first two sentences) to acknowledging the blatantly obvious; that the October 7th “murder of innocent civilians” and “taking hostages for ransom” by Hamas is “morally indefensible.” Astonishingly, he then spends the remaining 95% in attacking not Hamas, but Israel and the U.S.!
Wilson makes short shrift of the Hamas attack. It was not an attack Israel’s military. It was an intentional attack to murder as many civilians as possible, including women and children. There is now uncontroverted evidence that Hamas engaged in numerous beheadings, including the elderly and infants, the rape of women, and the actual roasting of babies in ovens! These aren’t the actions of civilized individuals but rather those of barbaric savages who were equipped, trained and financed by Iran who has, for more than 4 decades, pledged to destroy Israel. In fact, following the October 7th attack, Iranian officials praised it as “a momentous achievement.”
Wilson states that “this horrific event did not occur in a vacuum.” Quite true! Israel became a Nation on May 14, 1948, and on the very next day they were invaded by 5 Arab nations, which they ultimately defeated. In 1973, on their Holy Day of Yom Kippur, Israel suffered a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt and incurred heavy losses, but they prevailed. Since then, Israel has endured ongoing, never ending, terrorist and missile attacks from Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
Wilson refers to “the destruction of Palestinian homes” but what he fails to mention is that many of those homes were those of Hamas terrorists who had murdered defenseless Jews and, to this day, the family of terrorists who murder Jews are financially rewarded by Palestinian authorities. Wilson also claims that “Israel has bombed hospitals and schools”, but the only hospital that has been bombed was the result of an errant Islamic Jihad missile! Furthermore, it is common knowledge that, in violation of the laws of war, Hamas and other terrorists place their leaders, and missile sites, in or near hospitals and schools, as well as using civilians as human shields.
Wilson attempts to wrongly blame Netanyahu for the failure to “achieve peaceful coexistence by establishing Israeli and Palestinian states side-by-side.” Such peace efforts are laudable goals but, unfortunately, such Israeli and International efforts have been rejected by the Palestinian authorities time, and time, and time again. What Wilson fails to understand is that Hamas does NOT seek a peaceful coexistence with the Israeli people. To the contrary, and as their Charter suggests, they seek to destroy Israel and exterminate the Jewish people. Hamas does not seek a two-state solution alongside Israel, but rather vows “Palestine from the river to the sea”(i.e. the “final solution”)
NO to an immediate ceasefire. It’s time to end the Evil of Hamas, both for the benefit of Israel and the Palestinian people.
−Michael Hanlon, Sioux Falls
More: We need a cease fire in Isreal; American-made ethanol is better any day: Your letters
Glib is not a requirement
Choosing a president may be a citizen’s most important task. Checking a candidate’s bio is necessary homework.Security is number one so military experience is essential. The economy is number two so business leadership is necessary. Age and health are number three since the job entails a lot of stress. Common sense is number four, backed by experience in national and international affairsMike Pompey is probably the best qualified, but not running. For those wanting the job, DeSantis appears to be first, followed by Haley.Note that glib rhetoric is not on this list.Each citizen should make his/her own thorough study; otherwise we’ll end up with another Biden administration,− Jim Schmitendorf, Rapid City
Clean hydrogen qill strengthen South Dakota’s economy, energy capabilities
South Dakotans of every political stripe are increasingly interested in energy solutions that will help create jobs, power stronger local economies, and help America continue to remain a global leader in emissions reductions. That’s why the recent announcement that the Heartland Hydrogen Hub is set to receive up to $925 million in investments is such great news for our state’s economy, our energy capabilities, and our transition to a cleaner, carbon-free energy future.The Heartland Hydrogen Hub, which will serve South Dakota along with our neighbors North Dakota and Minnesota, will help develop low-cost, clean hydrogen with zero or near-zero carbon emissions. Heartland Hydrogen Hub was one of just seven regional clean hydrogen hubs to receive funding.Once fully up and running, Heartland will tap into South Dakota’s abundant energy resources to help produce clean hydrogen that, in turn, will help slash emissions in the production of fertilizer while advancing the potential of clean hydrogen for use in generating electricity and heating. At the same time, the future clean hydrogen hub will help create thousands of construction jobs and more than 700 permanent jobs for South Dakotans.Overall, the soon-to-be Heartland Hydrogen Hub will help secure South Dakota’s energy and economic future while supporting our efforts to cut carbon emissions and protect our precious natural resources. These investments highlight the importance of pro-growth clean energy policies for our state and our entire nation.
− Griffin Petersen, Onida
More: The healthcare system is failing; this scholarship changed my life: Your letters
Support the truth behind Israeli-Palestinian 'conflict'
We can no longer stay blind to the truth. The world is learning what is really happening in concern to the Israeli-Palestinian 'conflict.' In reality, it's not a conflict. It's not a war. What we are witnessing is the result of 75 years of Israel's illegal and unethical occupation and abuse of the Palestinian people. Millions around the globe are realizing the truth and speaking up, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Share your support by raising your voice. It takes each one of us to make a difference. The least you can do is learn about what is really going on; about how and why America has decided to stand with the oppressors. Palestinian lives are depending on your willingness to learn the truth.
− Marley Hamilton, Sioux Falls
They want privacy from government interferance, not more abortions
Reflecting on results of the midterm elections as they relate to abortion:The message is not that voters want more abortions, but they want privacy and protections from government interference in personal decisions. They also want the respect that allows freedom to make difficult choices based on personal circumstances and beliefs.
− Jackie Austin, Rock Rapids, Iowa
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: End the evil of Hamas, clean hydrogen will boost SD's economy: Your letters
